Koeman: Keane and Jagielka to miss Everton - Apollon Limassol

Everton host Apollon Limassol tomorrow in their second game of the group stage of the Europa League, looking to make amends for their awful loss away at Atalanta on the first matchday.

Manager Ronald Koeman spoke to the press this afternoon after a training session at Finch Farm earlier today.

He started off by confirming that his injury list of seven players stays as is, with central defenders Phil Jagielka and Michael Keane failing to recover in time.

The seven players are likely Seamus Coleman, Yannick Bolasie, Ross Barkley, Ramiro Funes Mori, James McCarthy, Jagielka and Keane.

When asked if there were any regrets over the decision made to not add Oumar Niasse to the 27-man Europa League roster -

“We had to make that decision already a long time ago. At that time his situation was different from the situation now. In life you don’t get a second chance.

“That decision was made by players not available. In a few weeks some of those players can be available again and we will see.”

Koeman was also asked about his thoughts on McCarthy being called up again by the Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill, who he’s clashed with before.

"Every nation is free to call the players. They need to see the player.

“His situation is, what I heard from the doctor, he can be part of the team for training on Friday. But his last game was July.

“I think that is the answer for you.”

Bolasie posted a video of himself training on grass yesterday, and the manager was asked how far away he was from playing.

“When I watched it I thought maybe he is available for tomorrow!

“He is doing well, it’s a long period and he’s working hard. What he did is not only football - you need to be stronger and ready to be competition. Maybe not three, four, five weeks until he’s ready to start first-team training.”